An elbow fracture is a break of one or more of the bones that form your elbow joint.
Most elbow fractures happen when you fall onto your elbow or hand and they can happen to people of all ages. Sometimes the fracture is just a little crack in the bone, however the fracture may be more severe with the bone broken in many places, dislocation of the elbow joint or damage to the surfaces of the joint.
Some fractures heal well without surgery and you will often have to wear a sling and take painkillers. If you need surgery, the aim of the surgery is to hold the pieces of bone in a good position while the fracture heals which should help your elbow to work better.
Elbow fractures in Children
The most common elbow fracture in children is the break of the humerus just above the elbow.
Most elbow fractures happen whne a child falls from a height (such as play equipment) onto their hands with their arm stretched out. A child's bones are still flexible so the damage may involve just a bend in the bone or a small crack. However, the damage can be more severe with a completely broken bone.
As with adults, the aim of surgery is to move the pieces of bone into a good position and hold them there while the fracture heals. Alternatively, some elbow fractures can heal well in a cast or sling.